Adam’s Tips on Staying Clean While Traveling

POSTED BY Adam Groffman ON Jan 31st, 2012 | 0 COMMENTS

Travel can be a dirty activity. "Dirty" in a lot of ways, but we’ll just stick to dirt of the grainy, brown variety.
It’s pretty much expected that while traveling you’re going to have to deal with a decent amount of dirt and unsanitary conditions. Wherever you're traveling, some places just aren't as clean as your ultra-chic apartment in downtown Manhattan/L.A./Miami/wherever-you're-from.

Here are some of my tips on staying clean while backpacking in less-than-hygienic regions:

1. Don’t wait until the last day to do laundry. Sometimes the hotel might have a 24-hour turnaround and if you wait till the last minute, you'll be waiting around in your room all day for that clean pair of underwear. If you don't have any clean underwear, just go without. And if your shirts are dirty, well, steam while you take a hot shower or spritz 'em with some cologne…and worry about it tomorrow.

2. I absolutely promise it’s okay: pack white clothing. Just don’t wear it when you’re planning on going out for hot dogs. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve worn the shirt, if it looks white you’re going to look clean. Even if it smells terrible. Optical illusion.

3. Wear sneakers when going on city walking tours or nature hikes. Flip-flops or sandals are going to get your feet very dirty.

4. Keep a small cloth towel (handkerchief or tissues) handy on bus and train rides. At the very least a clean face will make you feel fresh, comfortable and renewed.

5. No shirt is cleaner than a dirty shirt. Just go topless! (probably best for tropical locations near a beach)

6. In hot climates, wear one shirt during the day and another in the evening. Then alternate the shirts for the next day. Your evening shirt will be much cleaner (unless you had a wild night out).

7. Floss! It’s amazing how clean you feel afterward. Even if you’re brushing your teeth with salt water, a little bit of floss can go a long way.

Read Adam's hipster travel blog for more travel tips and travel photos from around the world.